Released in the mid-1980's, Mario changed how people looked at Nintendo. Nintendo was the home of one of the most iconic characters in video game history. Every person that plays video games would know who Mario, aka Super Mario, is and has most likely played one of his game. Those chances are extremely high, considering on how many games Mario has been features in. From brawls, to racing, from sports, to games with Sonic and Donkey Kong, Mario has been Nintendo's mascot and has made countless appearances. That is just it though, has he overstayed his welcome? He has been a part of video games for generations. But should the plumber consider retirement?
Too much of a good thing is not good. This literally applies to everything we can think of. Why should this not apply to Mario too? Over the years, we have seen so much that this plumber has brought to video games. But wouldn't people grow tired of him? There is only so many times where Mario can save Princess Peach, or defeat Bowser. Nintendo has tried to make his games fresh as video game develop, like making 3D Mario games. No matter what shape or form he takes, it is still what you would expect.
Then you get games that you wouldn't expect. Mario Baseball? Mario Soccer? The ideas of making new Mario games have really increased and tried to become innovative. But trying to force innovation on an established character like Mario isn't always that good (ask the Resident Evil series and you would understand). It is almost as if Nintendo has tried to make every story or scenario that is possible with this plumber. But you can't expect your golden mascot to stay shiny forever.
Then there are crosses and collaborations. You would think this is good. But when people already established Mario and the central character to everything, this definitely applies to games that he may be established with. This applies as well as Smash Bros, which had a central story that did not have Mario as the focus. Despite that, even the title gives off the sense that Mario would be the central focus. It is not like Nintendo would leave him out of the party he is the most popular in.
Now, what makes Mario so different? We have had many franchises that overstayed their welcome or certainly went sour after trying too long. What makes Mario stick along after all these years? That is easy to answer: he has became a part of video game history, a part that no one wants to give up. Many have had fond memories of the original Mario game, or classics like Mario 64. Then when Super Mario Galaxy came, it has proven that Mario still has life with him.
Now, this can simply mean that Nintendo has found new ways to bring Mario into video games. But ideas aren't always so limitless. Yet, at least what can be made can last as long a possible. It will only be a matter of time until the video game giant Mario has his fall. Wouldn't it be best for him to have a retirement then, for him to prosper before suffering a downfall?
This really depends on a lot of things. Will people be willing to try Mario's next game? Will Nintendo put more time in between of Mario games (instead of being like Five Nights at Freddy's)? More importantly, can Mario still be a part of fresh new games that wont become stale over time?
This is pretty much a lot to ask and consider. But considering how long Mario has prevailing in video games, it should be considered how many years this old dog has, or if this old dog can learn new tricks. Mario certainly has had a long run in video games and people would want to remember Mario by this. We wouldn't want Mario to overstay his welcome, and make it harder to say good bye.
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